hEX_20_06

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Energy & Utilities External corrosion – the slow, silent assassin Markings A guide to hazardous location equipment marking Standards

Intrinsic Safety

Communications

The importance of international organisations

InstMC – Ex Special Interest Group

Ensuring your communication system supports your intrinsically safe operations

June 2020

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contents June 2020

14 15

When countries first began announcing lockdowns in response to the coronavirus pandemic, there was a concern for many in the industry about how to keep operations running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. Adhering to social distancing measures and implementing a skeleton crew was one way in which companies were able to continue operations in some capacity. However, this situation created its own issues. With many operations slowed down or stopped completely, some thought the number of process safety incidents may drop, but that hasn’t been the case. With more responsibility falling on fewer people, safety is as important as ever.

close attention must be paid in the coming weeks as operations begin to resume. After an extended period of non-routine activity, safety must be at the centre of any start-up operations.

Digitalisation has helped to some degree and proven its worth since the pandemic began. Operations can be monitored and assessed remotely, and workers can communicate effectively and efficiently wherever they are. Recent weeks have shown the true value of digitalisation and Industry 4.0 and how necessary they will continue to be in the future.

Elsewhere, in Italy, an explosion at the Adler Plastic works near Naples, Italy killed one person and injured two others on May 5. The factory had only reopened on May 4 after the Italian government eased the lockdown in the country. The Adler Plastic works had been operating with reduced staff working in shifts so that employees could work safely apart.

However, digitalisation can’t solve everything. The lockdown has opened new avenues for incidents to occur. With many operations minimised or halted and countries now beginning to ease restrictions, it is a crucial time for many industries. As was covered in Hazardex February (pg.36), start-up operations are non-routine tasks that require careful attention from operators. Poorly performed start-up operations can lead to fatal incidents and so

Both incidents highlight the importance of keeping safety at the centre of any decision to restart or ramp-up operations following lockdown and to not rush back into normal operations without the proper due diligence.

On page 4 of this issue, there are two stories highlighting the risks involved in post-pandemic start-up operations. A gas leak at an LG Chem plant in India killed 12 people on May 7 as hundreds of people fell ill with burning eyes and breathing difficulties. Reports suggest that the incident occurred when the plant was preparing to restart operations having been closed since March 24. It is thought that gas left in a tank during the lockdown meant a heatproducing chemical reaction occurred, resulting in the leak.

Equipment markings are one of the least understood and most error filled aspects when going through the compliance and certification process

20

As a clear and present threat to most equipment in every process facility, external corrosion warrants closer analysis and prediction

…Alistair Hookway, Editor, Hazardex alistair.hookway@imlgroup.co.uk

24

in this issue 4 News Extra

• Gas leak in India kills 12 people as hundreds fall ill • Factory explosion kills one, injures two in Italy • Bangladesh to be compensated for 2005 gas blast after $1bn lawsuit • Chemical plant gas leak kills one, injures nine in Taiwan • International Gas Union releases global LNG report for 2020 • Fire at construction site in South Korea kills 38, injures 10 • Mine explosion injures five people in Australia

When assessing communications capabilities, an organisation charged with running critical national infrastructure needs to ask itself several questions

13 Standards: The importance of international organisations and digitalisation

26

15 A guide to hazardous location equipment marking 20 External corrosion – the slow, silent assassin 24 Ensuring your communications support your intrinsically safe operations 26 Institute of Measurement & Control – Ex Special Interest Group

30 36

the journal for hazardous area environments

hazardexonthenet.net

June 2020

26 Datafiles

The Institute of Measurement & Control Ex Special Interest Group aims to promote good practice and support continuing professional development

Hazardex is a controlled circulation journal published monthly.

Completed print or online registration forms will be considered for free supply of printed issues, web site access and online services. Annual subscription for non-qualifying readers is: UK £147; EU £215.25; Airmail £315 and single copy price is £23.10 plus P&P.

Hazardex content is the property of the publishers or relevant content providers. The publishers and sponsors of this magazine are not responsible for the results of any actions or omissions taken on the basis of information in this publication. In particular, no liability can be accepted in respect of any claim based on or in relation to material provided for inclusion.

Editor Alistair Hookway alistair.hookway@imlgroup.co.uk

Group Publisher Russell Goater russell.goater@imlgroup.co.uk

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Circulation subscriptions@imlgroup.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1732 359990

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Design Graham Rich Design www.grahamrichdesign.co.uk

40 Energy & Utilities External corrosion – the slow, silent assassin Markings A guide to hazardous location equipment marking Standards

Intrinsic Safety

Communications

The importance of international organisations

InstMC – Ex Special Interest Group

Ensuring your communication system supports your intrinsically safe operations

Register for weekly email newsletter & up-to-the-minute news at www.hazardexonthenet.net

4

News Extra

Representative image: Shutterstock

Gas leak in India kills 12 people as hundreds fall ill A

gas leak in southern India killed 12 people on May 7 as hundreds of people fell ill with burning eyes and breathing difficulties. Hundreds more people were also evacuated after the leak at the LG Polymers plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh state.

South Korea-based LG Chem which owns the impacted factory said that the leak, which was first detected at around 03:00 local time, was brought under control a few hours later. Around 800 people from surrounding villages were taken to hospital shortly after the incident.

In a statement, LG Chem said that it was assessing the extent of the damage from the leak and was working with relevant organisations to protect residents and employees. The chemical company added that a night shift maintenance worker first

discovered the leak which was emitting a gas known to cause nausea and dizziness.

LG Chem has opened an investigation to find out how the leak was caused. The plant has been closed since March 24 due to India’s coronavirus lockdown but has been preparing to resume operations in recent days.

The BBC reports that India’s State Industries Minister Goutam Reddy said proper procedures and guidelines were not followed during the plant’s re-opening. A local police official was also quoted as saying the gas had been left in a tank due to the lockdown which caused a heatproducing chemical reaction to occur. The heat could then have caused the leak.

gas spread through local villages causing a panic amongst locals. Social media footage shows distressed residents running out of their homes, some falling unconscious in the street.

Reuters news agency reports that several employees were inside the plant at the time of the leak which spread across approximately three kilometres (two miles).

According to its website, the LG Polymers plant makes polystyrene products for manufacturing electric fan blades, cups and cutlery and containers for cosmetics.

Police attended the scene shortly after the

The BBC quotes a senior official from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board as saying the leaked gas could have been styrene which is usually kept refrigerated. Styrene is

leak was discovered but had to evacuate the area immediately due to the toxic gas. The

highly flammable and produces a poisonous gas when heated.

Factory explosion kills one, injures two in Italy A

n explosion at a plastics factory near Naples, Italy killed one person and injured two others on May 5. The incident happened at the Adler Plastic works in Ottaviano. One of the injured people was transported to hospital in a critical condition.

Local media reported that the blast could be heard from several kilometres away, while witnesses reported seeing a large plume of black smoke rising from the

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factory premises.

The factory had only reopened on May 4 after the Italian government eased the lockdown in the country following the coronavirus pandemic.

Italian news website TGCOM24 reports that some employees who managed to escape the factory said the blast may have been caused by a gas cylinder exploding.

One person was taken to a hospital in

Naples while the critically injured person was taken to hospital in Nola on the outskirts of Naples.

The Adler Plastic works had been operating with reduced staff working in shifts in order for employees to work safely apart. Local government officials recommended people closed windows and doors in the aftermath of the explosion as a precaution. An investigation into the incident has been opened.

News Extra

Representative image: Shutterstock

5

Bangladesh to be compensated for 2005 gas blast after $1bn lawsuit T

he International Centre for Settlement of Investment Dispute (ICSID) has ordered Canadian oil company Niko Resources to compensate Bangladesh for a 2005 explosion at the Chhatak gas field.

The blast, which occurred while Niko was drilling in the field, caused considerable damage to the gas field and the local environment. Bangladesh filed a lawsuit in 2016 claiming over $1 billion in compensation.

According to The Daily Star newspaper, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid told reporters during a video conference on May 3 that the ICSID had announced its verdict on February 28. The tribunal will make a final recommendation on how much Bangladesh should be compensated in the coming weeks.

The explosion in January 2005 occurred at the Chhatak gas field in the north east of Bangladesh while Niko Resources was

drilling on the site. Niko had been invited to drill a well at the gas field in 2003 by Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) which oversees the natural gas field.

A decade after the incident, Bangladesh filed a lawsuit with the ICSID seeking $1.14 billion in compensation to be split between BAPEX and the government. Minister Hamid told reporters that the compensation was for the destruction of properties and gas reserves in the field.

After a complex legal battle, the ICSID announced on February 28 that Niko had violated terms of its 2005 joint venture agreement with BAPEX and must compensate the company and Bangladesh.

The tribunal found that Niko had failed to follow international standards and guidelines to conduct operations safely and the blowout was therefore caused by Niko’s negligence.

In an interview with the Dhaka Tribune

newspaper, the lawyer representing Bangladesh at ICSID said the country could now be compensated around $330 million in total as Niko Resources has effectively become bankrupt following the ruling.

The lawyer said the case was difficult to win because records and evidence were destroyed, lost, or hidden which is why Bangladesh was unable to file its lawsuit earlier than it did.

Legal proceedings first began in 2010 when Niko went to the ICSID seeking a ruling that the company was not responsible for the blowout. Before Bangladesh filed its own lawsuit in 2016, a Canadian court fined Niko after finding it guilty of bribing former Bangladesh Energy State Minister A. K. M. Mosharraf Hossain to obtain the rights to drilling at the Chhatak gas field.

According to both the Daily Star and the Dhaka Tribune, Niko has been accused several times of corruption and bribing officials in order to secure one-sided drilling contracts.

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6

News Extra

the workers were evacuating the refinery.

The 2018 explosion - Image: Flickr / tonynetone

In all, 36 workers sustained injuries which meant they could not work – the worst of these was a broken heel bone.

The explosion in October 2018 was caused by corrosion in a reactor effluent pipe which ruptured and ignited. The pipe had originally been installed in 1974 but was upgraded between 2004 and 2005. According to court documents, this upgrade meant that localised corrosion was able to go undetected.

Canadian oil and gas company fined $200,000 for 2018 explosion

I

rving Oil was fined $200,000 on April 15 after the company pleaded guilty to a safety violation relating to an October 2018 fire and explosion at its refinery in St John, New Brunswick. Irving was charged under New Brunswick’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.

There were approximately 1,500 people on the site when the incident happened, mostly contractors working on a turnaround at the facility. Court documents show that 80 workers from 17 different companies had reported injuries as a result of the incident, although all of these were sustained while

Protect your people, plant and processes

Following the incident, Irving Oil inspected all its pipes for further localised corrosion but did not find any pipes in a similar condition. The company also brought in experts to help advise on the cause of the incident and to help design a system which would be more resistant to corrosion in the future.

The Irving Oil facility in St John is Canada’s largest refinery with a crude capacity of over 320,000 barrels per day, according to the company’s website.

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News Extra

7

was limited to the plant itself.

Representative image: Shutterstock

China General Plastics Corporation released a statement on April 23 saying that the leak was caused by a broken flange gasket. The company said it would fix the issue and improve its equipment maintenance in the future.

Biogas explosion injures 3 In another incident in Taiwan, an explosion at a biogas facility on May 1 injured three

Chemical plant gas leak kills one, injures nine in Taiwan

A

worker in Taiwan was killed on April 23 after a gas leak at a chemical plant in the city of Kaohsiung. The worker died a day after the leak having suffered chemical burns and inhalation issues caused by the toxic gas. Nine other workers were injured in the incident According to the Kaohsiung Labor Affairs Bureau, the workers were repairing an

ethylene dichloride pump at the time of the leak. The Bureau ordered the immediate closure of the plant while an investigation into the accident began.

The plant is operated by Taiwan VCM Corporation (TVCM), a subsidiary of China General Plastics Corporation. Initial tests conducted by Kaohsiung’s Environmental Protection Bureau showed that the gas leak

workers in Hualien County. Firefighters responded to the blast at around 09:45 local time and found three injured workers suffering from fractures and other injuries.

According to news website Taiwan English News, one worker had a fractured spine and femur and was transferred to a hospital in Taipei City. The explosion is thought to have occurred while workers were conducting welding work above a biogas collection pool.

Taiwan English News reports that the blast tore through concrete walls, scattering debris across the area. The biogas facility generates electricity from livestock manure collected from the local area.

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News Extra

commissioning of new export infrastructure and limited demand response from Asian markets.

The first quarter of 2020 has proven to be very challenging for natural gas and LNG producers, as historically low gas prices have prevailed throughout the winter season. First, the increase in LNG exports combined with a mild winter across the Northern Hemisphere lead to a counter-cyclical drop in international gas prices. The bearish tone continued throughout February and March as markets around the world started to announce lockdowns in order to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

As the world has entered an unprecedented era of low LNG prices, the moment could be opportune for the environment, as there is a stronger economic case for switching from more polluting fuels to natural gas.

International Gas Union releases global LNG report for 2020

T

Gas will continue to play a vital role towards an economically and environmentally sustainable energy future. It produces less than 10% of the particulates and 50% less GHG than coal when used in power, 21% less than fuel oil in transport, and above 95% higher efficiency when used to heat homes. To reinforce this value, the industry continues to improve measurement and reduction of emissions across the full LNG value chain.

“As the cleanest burning fossil fuel, natural gas has a key role in providing reliable and cleaner energy to all. Even in the most developed markets, affordability and reliability of clean energy is a key issue and switching to natural gas offers an enormous opportunity.

he International Gas Union (IGU) has released its annual global LNG report, providing comprehensive analysis which highlights all the material changes in the

Poland, and Panama. At the same time, mature markets, like India, are adding new floating regasification capacity.

industry during 2019. The 11th annual Global LNG Report features key industry updates, right across the value chain, demonstrating yet another strong year of growth for this crucial segment of the

Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRUs) continue to be an exciting and growing segment, improving access to modern energy and energy security worldwide. Of the 37 existing LNG import markets as of February

The IGU will continue to demonstrate the vital environmental and economic role of gas in the sustainable energy future and encourage collaboration between industry and communities towards achieving this future,”

natural gas sector.

2020, 19 imported LNG with FSRUs, and six of those had onshore terminals as well.

says IGU President, Joe Kang.

The report shows that the LNG industry continues to enhance global energy security and increase the flexibility of access to the abundant global gas supplies. In its sixth consecutive year of growth, the LNG trade increased by 13% to a total of 354.7 million tonnes (MT).

While no new consumers joined the existing 37 markets in the global LNG arena in 2019, the most recent new players have increased their intake volumes – Bangladesh, Pakistan,

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Export growth came from the USA, Russia and Australia, as well as Algeria and Egypt.

The US is now the third largest LNG exporter, behind Qatar and Australia, with Russia in the fourth spot. Asia Pacific and Asia remain the key centres of demand, and together they accounted for almost 70% of global LNG imports in 2018.

2019 was another record year of low prices, driven by increasing natural gas production, the

The International Gas Union (IGU) was founded in 1931 and is a worldwide nonprofit organisation aimed at promoting the political, technical and economic progress of the gas industry. The Union has more than 150 members worldwide on all continents, representing approximately 95% of the world gas market.

You can download the Global LNG Report in full by visiting: https://www.igu.org/ publication/302507

News Extra A hydrogen plant under construction – Image: Shutterstock

9

The government has set an economic goal for hydrogen of ‘H2 under 2’ – that is hydrogen at or under A$2 per kilogram. That’s the point where hydrogen becomes competitive with alternative energy sources in large-scale deployment across Australia’s energy systems.

The fund will back projects that align with priorities under the National Hydrogen Strategy.

This includes areas such as advancing hydrogen production, developing export and

Australia and Portugal become latest countries to announce hydrogen investment

A

ustralia and Portugal are the latest countries to announce investments to develop a hydrogen industry. On May 4, the Australian government set aside A$300 million (£154 million / US$191 million) for hydrogen projects as the country aims to develop its hydrogen industry by 2030. Elsewhere, Reuters news agency reports that Portugal is preparing several multi-billion-euro projects including a new ‘green’ hydrogen plant near the Port of Sines.

In a statement, Australia’s Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor said the government is backing the country to become a world leader in

hydrogen production and exports. The government recently established a A$300 million ‘Advancing Hydrogen Fund’ and said it is committed to developing a hydrogen industry that will create thousands of jobs and generate economic growth.

“The Australian Government has a strong commitment to building a hydrogen industry which will create jobs, many in regional areas, and billions of dollars in economic growth between now and 2050,” Angus Taylor said. “Importantly, if we can get hydrogen produced at under $2 a kilogram, it will be able to play a role in our domestic energy mix to bring down energy prices and keep the lights on.”

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domestic supply chains, establishing hydrogen hubs and backing projects that build domestic demand for hydrogen.

Portugal announces plans for new hydrogen plant In Portugal, Environment Minister Joao Matos Fernandes told Reuters that construction of a solar-powered hydrogen plant could start within a year and could attract private investment of up to 5 billion euros ($5.43 billion).

Fernandes told Reuters on April 29 that the plant would be located near the Port of Sines, a deep-water port in the south west of Portugal.

The plant could start producing ‘green’ hydrogen as soon as 2023 with the aim of producing one gigawatt of electricity by 2030.

The plant is part of Portugal’s plans to establish a more environmentally friendly future after the coronavirus. Fernandes said that the country would also look to launch its second solar energy licensing auction in June after it was delayed by the coronavirus outbreak.

10 News Extra that the fire spread so quickly that many

Representative image: Shutterstock

workers were unable to evacuate in time.

Yonhap news agency reports that fire officials suspect the fire was caused by an explosion during work using urethane, a combustible chemical used for insulation. Some witnesses reported hearing at least 10 explosions in total.

There had been fears that the death toll would rise much higher after many of the 78 people on site at the time of the fire were unaccounted for at first.

Fire at construction site in South Korea kills 38, injures 10

A

fire at a construction site in Icheon, South Korea killed 38 workers on April 29 and injured 10 others.

The incident in Icheon, 80 kilometres (50 miles) southeast of Seoul in Gyeonggi Province, occurred at a four-storey warehouse construction site. Officials said

Officials believe the initial explosion occurred on an underground level of the construction site. Eight of the injured were taken to hospital in critical conditions.

South Korea’s Prime Minister Chung Syekyun ordered the interior and safety minister, as well as heads of the national fire and police agencies, to make all resources available to the search and rescue operation.

An investigation by police and firefighters continues.

News Extra 11

Inspectors from the Queensland Mines

Representative image: Shutterstock

Inspectorate also attended the scene and opened an investigation into the explosion.

The mining union said a gas ignition along the coalface is the most likely cause.

Queensland Ambulance tweeted that paramedics were on the scene treating five patients with significant burns after a reported workplace explosion at 15:14 local time. “Five patients were transported to

Mine explosion injures five people in Australia A

n explosion at a mine in Queensland, Australia injured five workers on May 6. The incident happened at Anglo American’s Grosvenor Coal Mine in Moranbah which is in central Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

Production was halted while paramedics attended the scene. One worker was

transported to hospital in a serious condition while the four others were in critical conditions having suffered significant burns to their upper bodies and damage to their respiratory systems.

All five workers were transferred to a Brisbane hospital overnight in a complex evacuation which involved multiple planes.

Moranbah Hospital serious with significant burns. Multiple aeromedical units are responding to coordinate the safe retrieval of all five patients back to Brisbane after the earlier workplace explosion at Moranbah,” Queensland Ambulance also tweeted.

An independent panel of experts in mine safety was appointed following the blast to open an inquiry into the accident and suggest a suite of reforms to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future, Queensland Minister for Mines and Energy Dr Anthony Lynham said. The inquiry will conduct public hearings and will be able to call witnesses.

12 News Extra

Study shows the top producing oil field in US leaks twice as much methane as reported

TROPOMI has been used to great effect before to measure methane emissions, notably following a February 2018 blowout of an ExxonMobil natural gas well in the US which leaked more methane into the atmosphere in 20 days than many countries emit in a year.

Satellites are becoming an ever more reliable method of measuring and identifying methane emissions. In November, a satellite belonging to GHGSat Inc discovered a giant methane plume apparently deriving from unlit flaring in the Korpezhe oil and gas field in western

Satellite observations of the Permian methane anomaly – Image: Y. Zhang Et Al / Science Advances, April 2020

A

research study has shown that the Permian Basin, the top producing oil field in the US, is leaking twice the amount of methane than previously reported. A European Space Agency satellite measured the amount of methane emitted from the field between May 2018 and March 2019 and found that around 2.7 teragrams of methane was leaking per year, representing the largest methane flux ever reported from a US oil and gasproducing region.

The Permian Basin, located in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico, is around 250 miles wide and 300 miles long and accounts for more than 30% of US oil production. The research team used new satellite observations and atmospheric inverse modelling to calculate the magnitude of the emissions which is around 60% higher than the national average leakage rate. The team published their findings in

Science Advances and say that the high leakage rate is likely caused by extensive venting and flaring, resulting from insufficient infrastructure to process and transport natural gas.

The researchers’ work demonstrates and exploits the capability of a recently spaceborne sensor, the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI), to map atmospheric methane enhancements. The team was able to quantify emissions from the Permian Basin (see image), which has become one of the world’s most prolific oil-producing regions in recent years due to advances in drilling technologies.

TROPOMI was launched in October 2017 onboard the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-5P satellite and provides column atmospheric methane measurements with higher spatial resolution and precision than was previously available, providing near-daily global coverage.

Turkmenistan. The company said this was the first time a major gas leak had been detected from space. After identifying the leak, GHGSat used diplomatic channels to alert the Turkmenistan field operator who was able to stop the leaks only a few months later.

In April 2020, ExxonMobil conducted several field trials of eight emerging methane detection technologies, including satellite and aerial surveillance monitoring, at nearly 1,000 sites in Texas and New Mexico to further reduce methane emissions.

The field tests were evaluating the effectiveness and scalability of a range of next-generation detection technologies that in addition to satellites use drones, planes, helicopters, ground-based mobile and fixed-position sensors. All technologies and deployment methods will be used to detect leaks and identify potential solutions that can be shared with other oil and gas operators.

Read the full research article in Science Advances at: https://advances. sciencemag.org/content/6/17/eaaz5120

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Standards 1

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The samples than “EP” can two explosive several new jobforprofiles in this brave new the plant, experts supervisors the work ofdigitalised multinational organisations to samples for this technologies test.

The samples are than Test Sample “EP” two mixtures apply the same in hazardous two, and forcan EPL oneexplosive independent verv be contacted, pictures be“c”, taken world including designer of their aero taxis, safe areas of process plants, but cannot by three independent apply the same technologies in hazardous two, and for EPL “c”, one independent veri world including designer of aero taxis, be contacted, pictures can be taken sent to the ExTLs which have to make the two ambient temperatures and five igniti harmonisesafe international relationships.

For the plants, If there but is a positive coming from the pandemic, areas of their process cannot by three independent ve sent the ExTLs have to makemodern theand transmitted. two After ambient temperatures and five ignitio the job is done, planner oftoe-sport stadiums, smart–home areas because of awhich lack of applicable is enough. planner e-sport stadiums, smart–home and transmitted.

After the job is done, areas because ofsame a equipment lack ofthe applicable modern is enough. restart ofof the global economy after crisis, itin is hazardous the proven importance oftwo, digitalisation for EPL apply the technologies and for “c”, o type test with their and send the each, a total of 40 explosion tests must thehazardous new dataeach, can bea uploaded easily designer and recycling specialist forset data apply the technologies in and for EPL type testrecycling with their equipment and the totaltwo, of 40 explosion tests“c”, muston products due to same restrictions by send the safety designer and specialist forset databy the new data canperformed be uploaded easily the international standards and conformity almost every aspect of daily life.by Millions products due to restrictions the safety test results to a are notified authority.

At IECEx, be eachofis participant for the areas because of a lack of applicable modern is enough. to the database.

No more paperwork trash.

Very good!

But these jobs realistic test results to awill notified authority.

At performed by eachtheir participant for the standards.

On the other hand, manufacturers Thebebeen first two years after the introduction of areas because a lack ofIECEx, applicable modern iscontinue enough. trash.

Very good!

But are these jobs realistic to the database.

Notwo more is assessment systems play anofessential role. employees have able topaperwork Every two months, IECEx Chairman standards.

On the other hand, The first years after the introduction of Every two Prof.

Dr.IECEx Thorsten Arnhold, the German PTB is this and “Explosion Pressure”. theprogram efficiency of work increases alternatives for forklift and truckauthority, driversmanufacturers orcreatingnecessary, Everytwo twomonths, months, IECEx Chairman Prof.

Every two months, Chairman Every months, IECEx Chairman Prof. products due to restrictions set by the safety the German PTB is this authority, creating and program “Explosion Pressure”. are obliged to fulfill safetyorstandards, this new procedure were quite a surprise. N alternatives for forklift and these truck drivers necessary, the offices. efficiency of work increases Every twoThorsten months, IECEx Chairman jobs from home In my company, we IECEx Chairman 2014-2019, provides anProf. update Prof.

Dr. Arnhold provides Every two IECEx Chairman Prof. products due to restrictions set by safety Dr. Thorsten Arnhold provides an update are obliged to fulfill these safety new procedure were dramatically and sources of failure are quite a surprise. N factory hands? producing the test samples and standards, evaluating the thethis Prof.

Dr. months, Thorsten Arnhold Dr. Thorsten Arnhold provides anprovides update Dr. Thorsten Arnhold provides an on developments within the organisation factory hands? dramatically and sources ofThe failure producing the test samples and evaluating the an update on developments within which are defined by the documents IECEx CBone-half asked forthe a are scope extension and The role ofstandards. science can beOn rather overestimated established shift work; of office onThorsten developments within his organisation.

Dr. Arnhold provides anupdate update the other hand, manufacturers first two years after removed. onondevelopments within hisorganisation. organisation. an update on developments within which are defined On by the documents IECEx CB asked for first aparticipating scope extension and developments withinIECEx his Every two months, Chairman standards. the other hand,working manufacturers The two years after After feedback from ExTLs, a test results. removed. on withinIECEx his organisation. hisdevelopments organisation by people.

I have the feeling that in developed at home enabled the other half to keep Every two months, Chairman After feedback from participating ExTLs, a test results. mentioned above. Ito as a result, no certificates were published.

Despite these concerns, cannot deny the safety standards, hisDr. organisation are obliged fulfill these this new procedure wer mentioned above. as a result, no certificates were published.

Prof.

Thorsten Arnhold provides statistical evaluation of the results is carrie Despite countries, these concerns, cannot deny are obliged fulfill these standards, this wer I wrote my article for the scienceIto has taken overthe thesafety necessary social distances.

Prof. must Dr. hen Thorsten provides western ofare theprocedure results is carried During theevaluation last year,new however, the situation confess thatArnhold I am not totally No wonderstatistical that process industries fact that we can expect many benefits from theparticipants last year, however, the situation an update on developments within role which are defined by seven the IECEx CBthan asked fortoajois factof that we canreligion. expect many benefits fromdocuments must confess that I am not it totally No wonderDuring that The process industries are neApril of the most frequently asked out. are invited Inathe meantime, the following programs issue of Hazardex, was modern There is a common an update on developments within digitalisation defined the CBthan asked st theof most frequently asked The participants are toajoin In thewhich meantime, the following seven programs convinced alltime, the supposed so eager toout. introduce theseIECEx new systems inbeen theare hazardous areaby sector. tne theofpresent there are few This has a major concern for documents IECEx. changed significantly.

Now we invited havefor more digitalisation inbeen the area sector. convinced ofat the supposed eager introducefor these systems t question the present time, there This a major concern for IECEx. significantly.

Now we have more t his organisation the beginning ofall March.

At the are time,few and belief that has science is hazardous able to predict the future Itso was quitetochanged surprising tonew see how well IECEx conferences workshop inme which the results are presente have been conducted or are still running: mentioned above. as a result, no certificat blessings of digitalisation.

During myand and so far, so good. his organisation question at IECEx conferences workshop inand which the results are presente have been are stillManagement running: into their plants, conferences or technical trade Threementioned yearsconducted ago, at itsorannual 10 Exand CBsso Exa TLs with a respective sc result, certificat blessings of digitalisation. my intowork theirofplants, far,as so European governments were starting to precisely andyears that science can always the national and international standard conferences or technical trade Three ago, atabove. its annualdeliver Management 10 CBs and Ex TLs with ano respective similar events is about the During difference andExdiscussed.

Angood. important part of thissc professional career, I have visited However, these shiny new possibilities At its most basic, to keep standards During the last year, ho • Sparkbasic, Ignition Test forstandards Ex The “I” Hague, Test the RoundHowever, 2010 and discussed. important part of this similar events about the shows that do is not have thedifference Industrial Committee Meeting in extension and a An number of applications.

At its toTest keep professional I have visited these shiny and new organisations possibilities announce countermeasures in the fight – the absolute truth and thefor right answers to conformity assessment the last how •most Spark Ex The “I” Hague, Test the Roundand 2010 shows docareer, not Industrial Committee Meeting in aDuring number of applications. between ATEX andhave IECEx. No worries workshop is training ayear, common manythat manufacturers in the many different can make extension you forget that all theseto achieve of safety highIgnition throughout the whole workshop is training to achieve a common between ATEX and IECEx. No worries – Internet of Things (IIOT) as the main organisation launched a new procedure to • Flame Transmission for Ex “d” Test Round 2013 of safety high throughout the whole many manufacturers inthere many different can make you forget that all these tInternet the present time, are few This has been a major concern for IECEx. changed significantly.

N against coronavirus.

Two weeks later, any question.

After hearing the numerous could be continued without any travel activities. of Things (IIOT) as the main organisation launched new procedure • Flame Transmission for Ex Test Roundto 2013 industries all the world and smart devices are poweredchanged bythe electrical operational life of equipment these tI don`t the present time, there are few This has been aina “d” major concern for devices IECEx. N want toover give a lecture about this understanding of bestsignificantly. working practic operational life ofnew equipment in these industries all over the world and smart are in powered bythe electrical Ifocus. don`t want to give a lecture about this scientific understanding of best database working practice One of the most important adopt the IEC 60079-33 standard.

This A look the IECEx online shows public life in almost all European countries statements and explanations on the Telephone conferences are in some respects • Temperature Classification general Test Round 2013 conferences or technical trade years ago,general at itsTest annual Management 10 Ex CBs TLs mostnow. of those with the highest but levels energy, normally batteries.

As database a and Exshows areas, it isThree necessary to conduct regular focus.

One most important adopt the new IEC 60079-33 A lookstored in theinIECEx online • Temperature Classification RoundThis 2013 normally topic Itofisthe not so obvious there areas, conferences or technical trade years ago, itsstandard. annual Management 10meetings.

Ex CBs and Ex TLs it isThree necessary to months, conduct regular most of those with the highest levels energy, stored in batteries.

As acertificates and across world had beenare locked during the two Iat cannot more efficient than face-to-face topic now.

Itthe is not so obvious but there news consequences of this trend the covers thelast protection method “s” forRound “special”, that already more than 20 base • Electrostatic Charge general Test 2015 of automation continue to employ consequence, those products have to meet inspections and maintenance.

But those consequences of this trend are the covers the maintenance. protection method forRound “special”, that already more 20 certificates base shows that do not have the Industrial Committee Meeting in“s” The Hague, the extension and aPressure numbe are many differences.

For interested Thethose workshop forthan the Explosion • Electrostatic Charge general Test 2015 inspections and But those of automation continue to employ consequence, products have to meet down.

Now, at the time of writing, it is agree with this!

For example, I remember the Another surprise for me was the smooth shows that not have the Industrial Committee The Hague, theThe extension and aPressure numbe are manydo differences. interested workshop for have the Explosion drastically shrinking value chains and which was introduced to permit theRound quick on IEC 60079-33 been published, an significant numbers ofFor manual all requirements which electrical products responsible might have toMeeting manage ain couple • Intrinsic Safety Test 2015 drastically shrinking value chains and which was introduced toabout permit thenew quick IEC 60079-33 have been published, readers IThings can recommend the IECEx 01A long Program took place in June 2018 at theand responsible might have to manage a “Patient couple significant numbers of manual all requirements which electrical products the beginning of May and we are still in a01A scientific discussion in Italy transition toon online lectures atplace universities.

My2018 • Intrinsic Safety Test Round 2015 Internet of (IIOT) as the main organisation launched a procedure to readers I can recommend the IECEx Program took in June at the innovation cycles(IIOT) ininevery and adoption of newcovered technologies, new materials amuse confident that areas manyhave others will follow. workers, whether production, intended for in hazardous of thousand products by ‘Ex’ or Internet of Things assector, the main organisation a new procedure to • Explosion forlaunched Ex “d” Test Round 2017 participate innovation cycles ininwith every and adoption ofPressure new technologies, new materials am confident that areas many others willand follow. of thousand products by ‘Ex’ or workers, whether production, intended for use hazardous have Guide: “An Informative Guide PTB inin quite Braunschweig, 80 state of emergency the sector, firstcomparing cautious Zero” the person whocovered the virus students actively in myGermany, •–Explosion Pressure forcarried Ex “d”when Test Round 2017 transport or logistics. to fulfil. PTB safety standards, and focus.

One“An ofin the most important adopt the first new IEC 60079-33 standard.

This A look inlessons the IECEx onli Guide: Informative Guide comparing functional in Braunschweig, Germany, and 80 especially the process industries. etc.

This implements a practice which has functional safety standards, and when transport or logistics. to fulfil. focus.

One of the most important adopt the new IEC 60079-33 standard.

This A look in the IECEx onli discussions a way beginning Italy.

One strong theory based on“p” a scientific despite of 400km us. especially in about the process industries. etc.

This implements a practice which has • Pressurised Enclosure for Ex est Round 2017 the distance various elements of bothout IECEx and ATEX”to participants frombetween international ExTLs joined paperwork is involved, this can often prove • Pressurised Enclosure for Ex “p” est Round 2017 participants from international ExTLs joined various elements of both IECEx and ATEX” been field-proven insingle the ATEX area For IECEx, thisthat development recognition consequences of this knows trendhow are the covers the protection method “s” for “special”, already isismore than paperwork iswas involved, this can ATEX often prove to take place.

Nobody analysis that this person came been field-proven in the area For IECEx, this development recognition consequences this trend arelong theIECExDNA covers method “s”IECforand“special”, that already more than h which beof downloaded from the this event.

In the eight years the program Every can day we see tens of thousands At IECEx we have recognised these an impossible task.the protection which can be downloaded from the IECEx this event.

In the eight years the program hf In process facility safe areas, the speed since 2003. that its focus on this area has been useful an impossible task.

Every day we see tens of thousands At IEC and IECEx we have recognised these the crisis and its consequences will keep Bavaria.

All this is aquick confirmation thaton the work the IEC been useful drastically shrinking value chains and fromsince which wasofintroduced to permit the onthis IEC 60079-33 have In process safe areas, the 2003. that focus area has of trucks onfacility ourPublications highways driven by speed issues and their importance for thethat thehave website under beenits running, we have seen qualif As an illustration the program,to here is aspecific short drastically shrinking value chains and which was introduced permit the quick on IEC 60079-33 trucks on our highways driven by issues and their and importance for the website Publications been running, we have seen the will qualit As an illustration of the program, here is aisspecific short ofof adaptation to this trend is restricted thedevelopment industry levels ofthat safety be us busy.under doing for the of high standards and responsible drivers. market.

We have established afrom special IEC Now,description however, thanks tochapter digitalisation, ofexperienced adaptation to this trend is restricted the industry high levels of safety will be innovation cycles in every sector, and Now, adoption of new technologies, new materials am confident that many our test hasand risen a satisfactory level of one of the 2017 Test and responsible drivers. however, thanks to digitalisation, market.

We have established afrom special IEC that many innovation cycles in every sector, and adoption of new technologies, new materials am confident On the other hand, German broadcaster regulating the digital infrastructure is very our test has risen a satisfactory level description of one chapter of the 2017 Test byexperienced the innovation of the suppliers and the Under the ATEX directive, the fulfillment of maintained.

Inthe the supermarket, am to pay to deal withto questions on level today. equipment in hazardous locationsthe is fulfillment ofworking group by innovation ofII am the suppliers Under the ATEXimplements directive, maintained.

What I want toare highlight inhappier this article isand the the Deutsche the beginning an excellent Round: in hazardous locations In supermarket, to pay working group to deal withto questions on especially inand the process industries. etc.

This a practice which hasbeginning Forthe me there some significant insights Welle said that more thanofis 300,000 important.

However, we must not that level What I want to highlight inhappier this article is the the anforget excellent today.

Round: financial technical capabilities of the equipment the general requirements appendix II with especially in the process industries. etc.

This implements a practice which has the cashier directly rather than attempt how modern mobile digital devices can be becoming smart. financial and technical capabilities the Chinese theFor general requirements of appendix II with fact that IECEx is notrather athelaw like attempt ATEX, it of is an the work program “Explosion Pressure -ashow Test the cashier directly than becoming smart. modern mobile digital devices can be from thisIECEx crisis.

Firstly, position of individual people permanently inintextile deeper implementation of For digital channels been field-proven the ATEX area IECEx, this develop fact that is not a law like ATEX, it is an For the program “Explosion Pressure Test operators. the basic health and safety requirements is The executive group is preparing a promot to use a checkout machine that will only safely transformed to meetFor the requirements field-proven the ATEX area IECEx, thisofdevelop operators. theRound basic health and safety isour private The executive group is preparing athe promoti to use aischeckout machine only transformed to meet the requirements We IECEx are convinced organisation acting worldwide onwill aglobalists voluntary 2017” thehotgeneral routine procedure nations much stronger thanthat many factories inbeen Lombardy, the spot in ofrequirements the insafely andat commercial lifesoincreases, allow mefacility toacting pay onsafe my third attempt, and Oneobligatory, advantage is theharmonised easy identification of procedure ofjust hazardous area standards. organisation worldwide on a the voluntary We at IECEx are sothe convinced of the Round 2017” the general routine and standards areof conference during TC 31 spring sessio In process areas, speedOne since 2003. that itsTC focus on this are allow mefacility to pay on my third attempt, and advantage is theharmonised easy identification of hazardous area standards. obligatory, and standards are conference during the 31is spring session and Eurocentrics predicted.

For many, in Italy.

Many of them went home thejust danger of cyber-attacks also rises.

That In process safe areas, the speedcoronavirus 2003. that its focus on effect this are basis.

Our Executive Secretary, Chris Agius importance and the trust-building of is since described by the standard “Explosive then only when a human assistant comes individual products by means of digital type basis.

Our Executive Secretary, Chris Agius importance and the trust-building effect is described by the standard “Explosive Many process sector companies have to one way toYear dobyand this.

Split Croatia onthe 23 April 2018,and to behigh heldof then onlygovernments when athis human assistant comes individual products means ofback digital type of adaptation to trend is restricted industry leb national and organisations for Chinese New came to Italy. why it is important to develop cyber security Many process sector companies have to one way to do this.

Split Croatia on 23 April 2018, to be held once said that IECEx is like a franchise system. the PTP that we decided at the 2014 IECE atmospheres Part 1: Equipment protection oversaid to help! labels. atmospheres Inspection plans, equipment data, protection Furthermore, we arethat making special efforts of adaptation toIECEx this trend iswith restricted the industry and high leb once that is like a franchise system. the PTP we decided at the 2014 IECE Part 1: Equipment handle hazardous substances, potentially IECEx in conjunction with the UN, UNECE over to help! labels.

Inspection plans, equipment data, Furthermore, we are making special efforts have been the strong in the storm.

Sometimes, adding one plus one can bring strategies and define them in international handle substances, with conjunction with will the UN, UNECE by the innovation ofanchors the suppliers and the the enclosures ATEX directive, the fulfillment of insurveillance. maintained.

There ishazardous a certain infrastructure and apotentially powerful Management Committee Meeting in The byUnder flameproof “d”” - IEC 60079facility layouts, inspection records, repair to intensifyIECEx market IECEx by the of the suppliers andofthe Under the ATEX directive, the fulfillment ofCroatian maintained.

There a certain infrastructure and asuch powerful Committee MeetingThe in The by flameproof enclosures “d”” - Bodies IEC 60079facility layouts, inspection records, repair to intensify market surveillance.

IECExInstitute. will severe for the life and health Toresults enable the IECEx Certification the focus Ininnovation myisconsequences eyes, international organisations better than blind belief in sophisticated standards soManagement that new andStandards smart digital Call me old-fashioned, but I can’t help protocols and many other important data be working hand in hand with the EU’s severe consequences for the life and health of To enable the IECEx Certification Bodies the Croatian Standards Institute.

The focusa steering organisation butbut the day to day of the tohand make it the obligatory for all ExTLs 1,the Edition 7.0.

Anrequirements essential data characteristic financial and technical capabilities general ofand appendix IIHague with Call me old-fashioned, I can’t help protocols and many other important be working hand in with EU’s as the European Union, United Nations, science! solutions can be developed. steering organisation but the day to day Hague to make it obligatory for all ExTLs a 1, Edition 7.0.

An essential characteristic the employees in their plants. and Test Labs to issue Test Reports of this conference will be on industry and financial and technical capabilities the general requirements ofand appendix II with but wonder what is the going to happen Bodies to of the are stored in special data banks.

ATEX ADCO to quickly ban unsafe mobile the employees in by their plants. andforTest Labs to issue Test Reports of this conference will be on industry and business is done Certification applicant ExTLs. the testing and assessment of the but wonder what is going to happen to are stored in special data banks.

ATEX ADCO to quickly ban unsafe mobile and the World Health Organisation played operators. the basic health and safety requirements is The executive group is business done by thewe Certification Bodies applicant ExTLs. for the testing and of the Certificates based onassessment IECand 60079-33, the users of Ex equipment, all IEC all thoseispeople once are completely products from global markets, and a and, new as with operators. the basic health safety requirements isof Theand executive group is based on IEC users Exmarkets, equipment, all IEC (ExCB) andpeople the Test Labs (ExTL).

In the IECEx Don’tCertificates explosion protection is the ability of the theFinally, all those once wemanagement are completely products from global a and, new as with a disappointing role inLabs the misunderstand me, though.

I 60079-33, think some words about the actual (ExCB) and the Test (ExTL).

In these the IECEx explosion protection is the ability of the The equipment intended for use all in areas If anIECEx Operational Document OD 233 was International Conferences, attendance is fre enveloped in the digital age with inspection job is due, the database working group dealing with these issues obligatory, and harmonised standards are just conference during the T The equipment intended for with use in these areasscience Operational Document OD 233 was International attendance is fre enveloped inUnder the digital age If anIECEx inspection jobfor due, the database working group dealing these issues and harmonised standards are just conference during the T Certified Equipment Program we all now have More detailed information the progra enclosure tois withstand pressure (clause of the crisis. these extraordinary is obligatory, essential human wealth programme of IEC CAB. with AllConferences, meetings until about thetoinnovations and consequences wehave informs the technical management of the started work in May 2019 at the Singapore Certified Equipment Program we now More detailed information about the progra enclosure to withstand pressure (clause has fulfill certain safety requirements in order developed and published, and the second of charge (See: www.iecex.com/meeting-a Many57the process sector companies have to one way to do this.

Croatia onDocumen 23 Apri consequences we informs the technical management of the started work in May 2019 at the toinnovations fulfill certain safety in to orderand developed andispublished, and the second of charge (See: www.iecex.com/meeting-a circumstances, itand was shown what thehave correct progress, however itofneeds common October have transformed into accepted ExCBs plus 5requirements Applicants and can bebeen found inSplit the Singapore Operational 15.2.).

This decisive importance for the 2020 Manyhas process sector companies one way do this.

Croatia onDocumen 23 Apri read about daily in the media, such as and plantedition and thehas inspection plans and otherFebruary Meetings of IECEx. 57 accepted ExCBs plus 5 Applicants can be found inSplit the Operational 15.2.).

This isto ofavailable decisive importance forMeetings the toread avoid the ignition of potentially explosive been since events/iecex). about daily in the media, such as plant and the inspection plans and other of IECEx. ofthe international relations should lookforming platforms for has discussion and consensus remote meetings.

Evened. the2.0 IEC Generalin to avoid ignition of potentially explosive edition been available since February events/iecex). handle hazardous substances, potentially IECEx conjunction OD 202 (2017) which can be w 68order accepted ExTLs plus 5 Applicants design and construction of “d”on products. autonomously driven trains, shipswith andforming necessary information are downloaded handle hazardous substances, potentially inwhich conjunction 68 accepted plus 5 Applicants OD 202 ed. 2.0IECEx (2017) design construction of “d” products. atmospheres.

These requirements are defined between 2017.

Theand central and critical element ofAssembly both which autonomously driven trains, shipswith and necessary information are downloaded on like: not that ExTLs international organisations are experts.

Something like international was planned for the end of can be wi atmospheres.

These requirements are defined 2017.

The central and critical element of both downloaded the IECEx website. a global network for robots testing andlife certification Therefore, explosion pressure (reference vehicles as well as dealing with tablet computers orthe smart phones.

So inBodies hazardous areas atfrom least, severe consequences for the andare health of thecomputers To enable the IECEx Certification the Croatian Standards ain global network forbut testing and certification downloaded from the IECEx website.

Therefore, explosion (reference vehicles asnations, well as robots dealing with tablet orthe smart So inBodies hazardous areas at least, the international standards IEC 60079 and standardisation standard and thephones.

OD ispressure the so-called In Stockholm addition, IECEx will be holding a series o governing that the strong nations works tothe find the smallest September in has been cancelled. severe consequences for life and health of the To enable IECEx Certification the Croatian Standards in the international standards IEC 60079 standard andbeen the OD is the so-called In addition, IECEx will be holding a series o the entire logistics chain in factories anda and digitalisation is to be welcomed, and ofthe explosion protected products.

Such pressure) has selected as the quantity entire logistics chain in factories and digitalisation is to be welcomed, and the employees in their plants. and Test Labs to issue Reports and of this conference will b of explosion protected products.

Such a pressure) has selected the quantity regulating their relationships common denominator.

Inbeen addition, it is asTest However, as I said before, thanks to the IEC 80079.and ‘independent verifier’. working group meetings in Weimar, Germa the employees incoordinating their heavily plants.

Test Labs to issue Test Reports and of this conference will supermarkets.

These devices together with cameras, supporting this process will be a crucial IEC 80079. ‘independent verifier’. working group meetings in Weimar, network organisation depends on the These When I wrote this article I was in theGerma final b toand benotcompared in the program “Explosion supermarkets. devices together with cameras, supportingWhen this process will be a crucial to the benefit of all participants by meanson of the important to forget that the value of progression of digitalisation this is not a network organisation heavily depends I wrote this article I was in the final to be compared in the program “Explosion inIECEx Junemission where feedback from application o Certificates based on IEC 60079-33, users of Ex equipment, smart glasses and other digital part of thethe into the future. in June where application Certificates based on IEC 60079-33, the users Ex competence and quality management of every scientific stage of preparations forfrom theequipment, 2018 IECExof Pressure Test Round 2017”. smart glasses and- other digital part of the IECEx mission into the of future. effective international organisations. knowledge is based on the correct significant issue for of work.feedback competence andmight quality management of every stage preparations thebe2018 IECEx Pressure - Test Round Interesting, you say, if you are new Under paragraph 3.4, the2017”. standard defines this Exour “s” process willfor also discussed.

The Interesting, equipment intended for use in these areas IECEx Operational Document OD 233 was International Conferenc you might say, you Under paragraph 3.4, the standard defines Ex “s” process will alsoMeeting beConferenc discussed. single member.

The overall quality of new the test Management Committee in Cann The equipment intended forifquality useare in these IECEx Operational Document OD 233this was International single member.

The overall of the test areas Management Committee Meeting in Cann has to fulfill certain safety requirements in order developed and published, and the second of charge (See: www.ie and certification process needs to be be high France.

The explosion pressure is determined with www.hazardexonthenet.net has to certainprocess safety needs requirements in order The developed and published, andwith the second of charge (See: www.ie andfulfill certification to be be high France. explosion pressure is determined www.hazardexonthenet.net and uniform, and the results of these processes the Test Sample “EP” for two different www.hazardexonthenet.n to avoid the ignition of potentially explosive edition has been available since February events/iecex). and uniform, and the of these processes theedition Test Sample “EP” for two different www.hazardexonthenet.n to avoid the ignition ofresults potentially explosive has been available since February events/iecex). must be the same or at least comparable I will report on the outcomes of this, the m configurations (single chamber and atmospheres. are defined 2017. The central and critical must be the These same orrequirements at least comparable willboth report on the outcomes of this, the m chamber and elementI of atmospheres.

These requirements are defined configurations 2017. The (single central and critical element of both

The Proficiency Proficiency Test Test Program Program The The importance of for ExTLs a key trust-builder for ExTLs - a key trust-builder international organisations within the the IECEx IECEx system within system

The pros and cons of digitalisation and digitalisation

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Hazardex 2020 Markings Review 15

A guide to hazardous location equipment marking D

espite their common appearance on almost everything purchased for industrial, commercial or personal use, equipment markings are one of the least understood and most error filled aspects when going through the compliance and certification process.

a product as they can often lead to differing evaluation criteria and design considerations for the equipment.

The markings and nameplate of a particular device or piece of equipment are meant to be a short description of the equipment enabling the end user to procure the correct

If equipment is manufactured with confusing or incorrect markings, it may lead to the manufacturer having a product which may not meet the criteria of what they originally intended to produce and may result in missing the target client or consumers of the equipment. This article seeks to inform equipment manufacturers and end users

equipment for the application and install it correctly. However, when markings are incorrect or confusing it can lead to wasted time being spent interpreting and clarifying what the original manufacturer intended

about what the various markings typically placed on equipment mean and why certification bodies require certain markings to be shown. We will focus on hazardous locations markings for International markets

to tell the end user about the equipment, including where and how it may be installed. Unclear markings may also lead to the incorrect piece of equipment being purchased for the application.

(via the IECEx), Europe (ATEX) and North America and will include explanations on what and why certain markings are required.

The level of markings is largely based on the standard being applied during the certification of the equipment being manufactured. The importance of markings is often downplayed and is quite often an after-thought during the certification process. In reality, they should be one of the first things considered when developing

Why is equipment marked?

Equipment is marked to identify it and answer the following questions: • Who made it?

• What is it?

• Where can it be installed?

• How should it be installed?

• What restrictions or safety concerns are related to the equipment?

Problems with incorrect or incomplete markings Incomplete or inaccurate markings may not detail the complete information, leading to incorrect application or installation and installation preparation. For example, incorrect ratings of information can lead to the incorrect specification of cable sizes.

The equipment may miss the target audience – those searching for specific criteria may dismiss the manufacturer’s equipment because it is not marked to meet their specifications, or may be marked to meet, but actually will not.

How are equipment markings specified?

From a compliance and certification perspective, the preference is that markings are at the manufacturer’s request.

• The manufacturer originally specifies markings to meet what they target the equipment to be and the specific needs they want to fulfil • The product standards that are applicable to the equipment contain minimum marking requirements • These standards include the basic marking requirements as well as optional warnings and information

www.hazardex-event.co.uk

16 Markings General marking requirements

Enclosure environmental rating:

holds the evidence that the equipment

Commonly referred to as External

was evaluated to a specific standard

The following markings are typically required to be placed on all equipment

Influences within standards and codes of practice.

and that the equipment meets the defined minimum safety requirements

regardless of the standards being used to

• Is equipment suitable for use indoors or

evaluate the equipment.

outdoors?

• Is the equipment able to withstand

Manufacturer name:

harsh environments, such as where

• Who made the equipment and is responsible for the placing of the

the equipment could be subjected to impact, vibration, humidity, etc.

of the standard used) • Whether there are specific conditions of use (indicated by “X” in the certificate number for ATEX and IECEx certifications) • Whether a piece of equipment requires additional certification before use

equipment on the market?

Warnings:

(indicated by “U” in the certificate

they are looking for support with the

Is there anything in particular that the end

number for Ex Components under

equipment?

user needs to be made aware of from a

ATEX and IECEx Certifications)

• Who does the end user go to when

Model Number: • What is the equipment?

• This allows the manufacturer and the end user to determine that they are talking about the correct piece of equipment when building it, ordering it or providing support

Serial Number or date code: • When was the equipment made/ manufactured?

• There may be known problems with equipment manufactured on a specific date or as part of a specific batch.

• Product recalls may be specific to only certain pieces, not all of the equipment manufactured

Electrical ratings and specifications: • How much power is needed for electrical equipment (KW/KVA)?

• What type of Power Supply is required (3-Phase AC, Single Phase AC, etc.)?

• What overcurrent protection requirements are there?

• What size and type fuses are installed in the equipment?

• What size of cable is required for the application?

• What range of external influences is the equipment likely to encounter?

Ambient temperature range: • Is the equipment able to be run properly in the environment where it is to be installed?

• May not always seem important, but have you ever tried to install a compact florescent light bulb outdoors in Canada in the winter

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safety perspective.

• Multiple power sources • High internal voltages • Dangers when opening enclosures

Certification information: • Specific safety mark or certificate number • Who carried out the third-party evaluation on the equipment (While this may not appear important, it informs the user and the local authorities who

Hazardous locations specific markings Hazardous area equipment has specific markings required by the applied standards/directive to allow the installers and end users to ensure they are installed suitably for the applicable area. The intent of the marking is to inform the reader about the ratings of the equipment and the types of hazardous area it has been investigated and tested for use in.

Markings 17

Area classification and protection method information

• II – Gas or dust atmospheres

• Informs the end user what sort of area the equipment can be installed

Equipment category: • 1 – Suitable for Zone 0, 1, 2, 20,21 or 22

• Applicable to all equipment being

combustible conductive dusts Temperature Codes: • IEC and North American temperature

• 2 – Suitable for Zone 1, 2, 21 or 22

codes use the same standard values

installed into a potentially explosive

• 3 – Suitable for Zone 2 or 22

for T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 to

atmosphere

• M1 - Very high level of protection for

indicate their corresponding maximum

• These markings can allow or disallow certain equipment from being installed into the intended area

mines • M2 - High level of protection for mines Environment:

Temperature rating

• G – Gas

• How hot does the equipment get on

• D – Dust

the surfaces exposed to the explosive atmosphere • Combined with the area classification information, these markings tell the user how hot the equipment can get under normal or abnormal operating conditions • This can qualify or disqualify certain equipment from being installed depending on the materials present in the area and the auto ignition temperature of those materials.

ATEX specific markings (see ‘Typical ATEX and IECEX Marking’ graph on previous page) CE mark: • Indicates the manufacturer declares the equipment meets the applicable Directives • For ATEX certified equipment, the number following the CE mark is the number for the Notified Body which performs the surveillance activity for the ATEX Directive.

• The number after the CE mark indicates that a Notified Body is responsible for surveillance of manufacturing.

• When the CE mark does not have a Notified Body number after it, this means that the manufacturer is responsible for the design and manufacture of the equipment and that there is no Ex specific Notified Body audit of manufacturing in place for this product Epsilon Ex Mark: • Indicates that the equipment meets the requirements of the ATEX directive Equipment group: • Indicates what sort of area the equipment may be installed • I – Mines susceptible to firedamp

• * Not used for M1 or M2

ATEX and IECEx specific markings Ex: • Indicates the equipment is for use in an explosive atmosphere db: • Protection Method - There are ten recognised electrical and four mechanical concepts of protection.

These are detailed in the European & IEC 60079 and 80079 series of Standards • There are four basic methods used in order to avoid uncontrolled ignition: – Exclusion of the flammable substance.

– Prevention of component sparks or hot surfaces.

– Contain the explosion and extinguish the flame.

– Energy limitation

temperatures of equipment.

• North American Standard goes further and subdivides T2, T3 and T4 into subdivisions.

• IEC utilises 6 temperature divisions, whereas the North American standard utilises a total of 14 divisions.

• For Group III equipment, the actual temperature is marked, for example T135°C Max. Surface Temperature 450°C 300°C 200°C 135°C 100°C 85°C

ATEX / IEC* T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

Note: For Group I applications (ATEX and IECEx only), electrical apparatus has fixed temperature limits of 150°C (where layers of coal dust can form) and 450°C (where coal dust is not expected to form a layer.)

For Group II applications, the T Class may be replaced by a temperature in degrees Celsius, and if a specific gas is marked, rather than sub-group, a temperature class or maximum surface temperature need not

Atmosphere Groups: Indicates the specific gas or dust environment the equipment has been evaluated for • I - mining

be marked.

• IIA - atmospheres containing propane or gases of an equivalent hazard • IIB - atmospheres containing ethylene or gases of an equivalent hazard • IIB+H2 - atmospheres containing Ethylene and hydrogen • IIC - atmospheres containing hydrogen

• Ga – Zone 0, 1 and 2 • Gb – Zone 1 and 2 • Gc – Zone 2 • Da – Zone 20, 21 and 22 • Db – Zone 21 and 22 • Dc – Zone 22 • Ma – Very high level of protection for

or gases of an equivalent hazard (acetylene) • IIIA - atmospheres containing flyings (fibres) • IIIB - atmospheres containing combustible non-conductive dusts.

• IIIC - atmospheres containing

mines • Mb – High level of protection for mines

Equipment protection level (EPL): Indicates which locations the equipment is suitable for installation within;

Note: The correlation between the EPL and Zone is only a guide

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18 Markings North American specific markings - Division Scheme

Max. Surface Temperature

NEC* 500 / CEC*

NEC* 505

450°C (842°F)

T1

T1

300°C (572°F)

T2

280°C (536°F)

T2A

260°C (500°F)

T2B

230°C (446°F)

T2C

215°C (419°F)

T2D

200°C (392°F)

T3

Class I:

180°C (356°F)

T3A

Hazard Classification

165°C (329°F)

T3B

• Class I - Combustible Gases

160°C (320°F)

T3C

Scheme

• Class II - Combustible Dusts • Class III - Fibers and Flyings Division 1: Area Classification – How often the explosive atmosphere is present • Division 1 – Atmosphere is always present • Division 2 – Atmosphere is only present in abnormal conditions Groups A, B, C, D: Atmosphere (Gas or Dust) Group • A - atmospheres containing acetylene or gases of an equivalent hazard • B - atmospheres containing hydrogen or gases of an equivalent hazard • C - atmospheres containing ethylene or gases of an equivalent hazard • D - atmospheres containing propane or gases of an equivalent hazard • E - atmospheres containing combustible metal dusts • F - atmospheres containing combustible carbonaceous dusts.

• G - atmospheres containing combustible dusts not in Group E or F Temperature Codes (see following table): • IEC and North American temperature codes use the same standard values for T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 to indicate their corresponding maximum temperatures of equipment.

• North American Standard goes further and subdivides T2, T3 and T4 into subdivisions.

• IEC utilises 6 temperature divisions, whereas the North American standard utilises a total of 14 divisions.

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T2

T3

135°C (275°F)

T4

120°C (248°F)

T4A

100°C (212°F)

T5

T5

85°C (185°F)

T6

T6

North American specific markings - Zone Scheme In Canada, markings match the IECEx markings. In the USA, the following items are added: • Hazard Class – Matching Division Scheme • Area Classification • Similar to the Division Scheme, indicating the Zone the equipment is able to be

T4

installed within; • Zone 0/20 – Gas or dust is always present • Zone 1/21 – Gas or dust is normally present • Zone 2/22 – Gas or dust is abnormally present The remaining string matches the IECEx specific markings (see previous sections).

Examples of equipment markings

Markings 19

Single protection method device (see example on previous page): This device is manufactured by Gecko Enterprises, is a Gecko Exterminator and is powered by 240Vac supply, rated at 15A. It is IECEx, ATEX and North American certified and can be used in a Class I, Division 1, Groups ABCD or Zone 1 hazardous area.

Conclusion Although many manufacturers face a plethora of complications and challenges when selecting the markings for their electrical products, it’s clear to see the importance of selecting the correct global markings at the initial design phase. This is crucial to ensuring that your end customers understand the product they’re purchasing, and also so that it bears the correct markings to be sold in the relevant countries you intend to sell your hazardous location electrical product into.

Multiple protection method device (see example on previous page): The above example is the same device as the previous device, however this one has multiple protection methods. It can be installed in either a gas or a dust explosive atmosphere.

Multiple optional protection method device: The above example is the same device as previous however this one has multiple protection methods.

It is up to the end user and installer to choose and indicate which installation method they wish to use for the installation by marking the box as indicated.

Hazardous area markings can be complicated, but they are vital in ensuring the safety of all personnel exposed to potentially explosive atmospheres. With training and understanding, even the most complicated of markings can become simple to understand.

About the author

Wesley Van Hill is the Global Technical Manager for the Intertek Hazardous Locations team responsible for multiple locations worldwide. His responsibilities include ATEX and IECEx technical qualifications and consistent technical decision making within all Intertek facilities performing Hazardous Locations related activities. He has been involved in the evaluation of hazardous locations equipment for almost 15 years and has been a part of multiple technical committees and panels. Prior to joining Intertek, he gained manufacturing and testing experience with a large multinational manufacturer.

www.hazardex-event.co.uk

20 Pipelines

Figure 1 – Pipe corrosion

External corrosion – the slow, silent assassin T

he anti-corrosion professional organisation, NACE International, estimated that external corrosion cost US process industries in excess of $1.7 billion in 2013. It also calculated that North American organisations were spending a total of $260 million annually on coatings to prevent external corrosion. As a clear and present threat to most equipment in every process facility, external corrosion warrants closer analysis and prediction.

www.hazardexonthenet.net

For internal corrosion, industry guidance and risk-based inspection standards use a combination of material type, environment (e.g. fluid, pressure, temperature) and corrosion protection measures to help asset integrity specialists decide which threats are credible. However, the technical support to competently analyse and predict external corrosion is rare.

Internal corrosion is seen as easier to quantify and predict but external issues and

threats are just as common to almost all process equipment and pipelines. While the development of general external corrosion can often be slow, it can do much damage over a plant or pipeline’s lifetime (Figure 1).

It can be aggressive, especially along coastlines in hot climates when salt fogs wet steel surfaces in the morning. Water evaporation during the day drives up the salt concentration to cause high rates of corrosion and coating damage. Likewise,

Pipelines 21

high external concentrations of sulphur oxide pollution greatly accelerate external corrosion by acidifying water and destabilising rust layers.

External corrosion can also be unexpectedly high, even in inland areas. After ‘the Great Storm’ of 1987 in the UK, a study in central London found that, due to salt transport from the sea into the city, the external corrosion rate was equivalent to that next of coastal locations.

Combating CUI Well-established risk-based inspection codes such as API 581 address general external corrosion attacks and corrosion under insulation (CUI). CUI is the external corrosion of pipework and vessels that occurs underneath externally clad/jacketed insulation due to water penetration. It tends to remain undetected as corroded areas are difficult to identify and conventional inspection methods are impeded by the insulation. Identified as a major threat to the integrity of oil and gas and petrochemical facilities worldwide, CUI damage can take the form of localized external corrosion in carbon and low-alloy steels, external stress corrosion cracking (ESCC) or pitting in austenitic and duplex stainless steel (Figure 2).

Insulation related corrosion is a major problem and has been responsible for a significant number of incidents and lost production time and is thought to account for 40-60% of pipework maintenance costs.

Detailed guidance on CUI management is available in documents from the European Federation for Corrosion (EFC 55) and NACE International (RP0198).

The American Petroleum Institute (API) 581 standard also considers factors such as climate, condensation and how close equipment is to sources of potentially corrosive water mists, such as cooling towers. However, risk-based inspection schemes rarely include enough detail when specifying corrosion loops to pinpoint the areas of highest external corrosion risk.

Current discrepancies also include the use of insufficient inspection methods, which can lead to undetected defects and the ultimate neglect of the whole asset. Others currently manage CUI risk by blindly replacing

Figure 2 – CUI is a major threat to the integrity of oil and gas and petrochemical facilities worldwide

Within the RP, DNV GL presents a systematic approach to CUI risk management, which includes the assessment, mitigation and updating of risk as well as continuous improvement. The approach is appropriate for both short and long-term time frames, taking into consideration related factors such as roles and responsibilities, reporting requirements and change management. Historic decisions made on individual assets also need to be aligned such as the material selection, coating condition and maintenance strategies.

Figure 3 – DNVGL-RP-G109 was developed in collaboration with major operators and the supply chain

and renewing all insulation in a systematic manner, with limited upfront assessment of the scope required.

DNV GL has launched a new recommended practice (RP) designed to address the major safety threat and multi-billion-dollar cost posed by CUI. DNVGL-RP-G109 was developed in collaboration with major operators and the supply chain to deliver a practical and cost-effective recipe for managing its occurrence (Figure 3).

The RP is intended for use in the risk assessment of insulated static mechanical pressure systems, considering failures caused by loss of pressure envelope containment due to external CUI. The methodology is designed to be applied to process systems that operate at temperatures below 200°C and largely concentrates on the CUI of metallic materials, particularly carbon steel.

Knowing the corrosive enemy inside and out DNV GL’s failure analysis laboratory in Loughborough, UK has investigated major issues of external corrosion on flange faces, bolting and piping across various industries (Figure 4).

This has included instances where bolts have fractured due to loss of cross section and when flange corrosion was so severe that a fitness for service assessment was required.

The key factors that were found to increase the risk of external corrosion were: • Facility age – assets more than 20 years old had more extensive corrosion • Coating inspection and maintenance – facilities with little or no coating management had severe external corrosion • Water accumulation – areas where water can accumulate suffered enhanced attack.

This included horizontally aligned flanges and items exposed to water run-off. In one case, a flat beam above a flange caused a mini waterfall whenever it rained and severe external attack occurred.

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22 Pipelines

Figure 4 – DNV GL laboratory in Loughborough

assessment of piping circuits as they

‘CUI Manager’ application will enable users

provide improved details of the pipe

to assess CUI risk and evaluate the risk

configuration compared to paper drawings (Figure 6). For existing assets, laser

impact of different mitigation measure, such as radiographic testing inspection,

scanning can be used to make up-to-

general visual inspection or close visual

date models of the pipe configurations.

inspection after removal of insulation.

Eventually the 3D model, inspection data

Corrosion under pipe supports (CUPS) for

will allow the creation of a digital twin of the asset. This will involve using analytics to

Mitigating external corrosion in process industries

instance, is a particularly insidious form of

predict external corrosion, plan inspections

The oil and gas industry, and others, coat

corrosion that occurs at the pipe support

and direct coating maintenance activities to

and paint vessels and pipework as their

to pipe interface (Figure 5).

the areas at highest external corrosion risk.

main way to mitigate external corrosion

and real-time climate/environmental data

attack. This can work well if the coating This can rapidly lead to serious piping damage, potentially resulting in pipe failure.

Design features, such as using rubber spacers or poor draining supports, which can trap water and damage coatings, can accelerate it.

is carefully selected and qualified for site conditions.

However, there have been failures (Figure 7). For example, when a coating against atmospheric corrosion is used on cool pipework, this can potentially result in heavy condensation occurring from a humid atmosphere. In this case, an immersion-grade coating would be required.

Improving inspection and maintenance Asset integrity specialists continuously enhance their abilities to recognise what corrodes process facilities, how, and the rate of corrosion. It allows them to better optimise inspection and run mitigation programmes to maintain safe operations.

Improving the scheduling of inspection and maintenance procedures helps to ensure that resources that could be used elsewhere in the business are not needlessly diverted to these activities.

DNV GL’s coating test facilities qualify coating systems for many operators including equipment to simulate conditions worldwide, as well as examining the effects of pollutants.

Figure 5 – Corrosion under pipe support

This means finding new or improved ways to identify, measure and predict

For ease of implementation, an interactive digital tool, which combines the new

external degradation modes for each type of equipment. Factors such as climate, location, pollution levels, aerosol, salt transport measurements, airborne particulates, condensation, rain sheltering,

CUI RP with live asset data, has been developed by the technical adviser to the oil and gas industry. DNV GL’s cloud-based

Coating laboratories are equipped with advanced environmental simulation chambers that allow coatings to be exposed to humidity and temperature cycling as well as ultra-violet light and simulation of pollutant gases. This enables experts to test coating performance in environments ranging from rainforests to

and industry guidance are used together to assess the magnitude of the external corrosion threat. External corrosion appears simple at first glance, but its prediction can be just as complex as that for internal corrosion mechanisms.

The increasing volume of digital data and sophisticated analytical software available in process industries assists asset integrity specialists in this quest.

The trend for using 3D models for process assets facilitates external corrosion risk

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Figure 6 – DNV GL’s cloud-based ‘CUI Manager’ application will enable users to assess CUI risk

Pipelines 23

Figure 7 – External corrosion and coating damage

About the author

deserts. One recent project examined the performance of products applied as a single coat compared to the operators specified three-coat systems. It was found that a single-coat system would greatly reduce the time needed for maintenance painting and for many environments, provide adequate protection.

Standards and guidelines Coating systems need regular inspection to evaluate their condition and detect any evidence of the early stages of corrosion.

Many operators have internal standards for assessing the severity of corrosion and coating degradation. International standards such as ISO 4628, ASTM D5065 and D610 can also be applied.

All these standards involve comparing coated surfaces to a library of pictures showing coatings and steel substrates with varying levels of damage to assess the degrees of coating degradation and substrate surface rusting. They do not however, address the depth of attack under rust layers.

The chief issue with this approach is the subjective nature of the judgements, which often depends on the experience of the inspection personnel. To ensure a consistent approach, trained assessors are used in Loughborough’s materials laboratory to conduct site surveys for external corrosion, CUI and CUPS. A recent survey of a process facility looked at more than 2,000 locations and found 2% required urgent attention and 10% needed more frequent inspection.

Improving external corrosion management The oil and gas and process industries continue to improve the management of internal corrosion by investing heavily to develop continuous corrosion monitoring, predictive tools and data management software.

As industry adopts these and similar tools more widely, the control of external corrosion attack will be much improved and the risks better controlled.

Dr. Tim Illson is Principal Specialist with DNV GL – Oil & Gas and has worked in industrial corrosion control for more than 30 years and is presently involved in consultancy for a wide range of oil and gas, transport, processing and production activities. Consultancy roles performed include corrosion management planning, corrosion engineering, production chemistry and flow assurance. Specific areas of technical expertise include hydrogen compatibility, selection and application of corrosion monitoring techniques together with their interaction with inspection, materials selection for oil and gas processing plants, and risk-based life cycle costing and economic analysis.

www.hazardexonthenet.net

24 Communications

Ensuring your communication system supports your intrinsically safe operations W

hen assessing your current communications capabilities, an organisation charged with running critical national infrastructure would

• Are your radios rugged enough to handle dirty conditions, preventing dust, dirt or water ingress, or frequent heavy drops or handling?

If you answered no to any of these,

availability, security and redundancy. As such, TETRA solutions are ideally suited to safety critical environments.

need to ask itself a number of key questions: • Are your radio devices ATEX-approved for operations in explosive atmospheres?

• Can security staff prioritise emergency

there could be failings in your current communications solution, and opportunities to upgrade capability, improving staff safety and operational efficiency.

A crucial aspect of a mission critical network is the ability to prioritise emergency calls,

communications over every day operational communication?

• Do your radio devices enable control room staff to constantly monitor staff location, activity, status and movement?

• Is your communications system incorporated into all other security and

Effective and reliable communications can make the difference between life and death. Nowhere is this more evident than in ‘safety critical’ environments, such as those found in oil and gas plants, petrochemical facilities or similar environments. These companies are often located in harsh locations, requiring robust and reliable communications solutions.

operational systems, acting as part of your core operations rather than as a standalone network?

• Do you have crystal clear audio delivered through your devices, matched with userfriendly accessories that suit your team’s environment?

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Terrestrial Trunked (TETRA) two-way digital radio systems were designed with ‘mission critical’ users in mind and are able to support high levels of coverage, capacity, reliability,

something not possible over standard public networks, or even with lower tiered private radio infrastructure.

This can ensure that in an emergency situation – whatever the cause – emergency communications and direction can be prioritised over all other voice and data traffic.

By supporting this key functionality, TETRA radio networks are used by police forces and other public safety organisations on national networks, while private networks are routinely deployed in major sites such as refineries, chemical plants, airports, transport networks, industrial and utility plants and locations with high security requirements such as sports stadiums and large retail parks.

Communications 25

The deployment of such systems ensures security and operational teams can achieve the highest operational standards. Modern two-way mission

ensuring that communications are kept private and secure • Scalable systems to support new features or expansion in users

critical radio system can deliver many other functions vital to such users,

These key operational advantages are

including:

supported by high quality radio devices,

• Applications to connect people,

featuring excellent coverage, crystal

devices and systems, ensuring critical systems are linked up and support

clear audio, rugged handsets and exceptional battery life.

operations • Safety features to support lone or

Advances in connectivity and product

vulnerable workers, including GPS

capability also allow modern devices

tracking, Man Down automated

to connect to secure data sources,

alarms and connection to third party safety devices such as oxygen or heart rate monitors • Transmissions that use digitally encoded voice encryption algorithms

reducing the need for unnecessary voice communications, whilst also enabling automated responses, for example details of task completion, or recording staff movements.

Case Study: Shell Pulau Bukom Oil Refinery, Singapore Shell’s Pulau Bukom manufacturing site is an integrated oil and petrochemicals site with manufacturing facilities for fuels, lubricant based oils and speciality chemicals, located on an island 3 miles off Singapore. It is Shell’s largest whollyowned refinery globally with a crude distillation capacity of around 500,000 barrels per day, and is the largest petrochemical production and export centre in the Asia Pacific region.

Shell wanted to replace its existing analogue network to improve security, coverage and connectivity. The solution had to provide: • A new network with improved coverage and capacity • Improved audio quality

Shell Pulau Bokom Site

to face the implementation of a new network, as metal is often a barrier to

To enhance worker safety, the hand portable devices were configured with a

• Provide a secure mode of communication for user • Provide Intrinsically Safe hand portables to the site workers • Up to 2000 devices/terminals for use across the network • Maintenance management and service

radio communication. The hazardous materials present on site offered a number of health and safety hazards to overcome during implementation.

dedicated emergency button to enable quick responses in an emergency. To better support the Movement Control Room (MCR) which manage the loading/ unloading of products from ships, the Sepura radios were integrated to the instrumentation system to provide quick

support of the network for 10 years • Integration to critical applications

island as well as the ferry terminal and remote docking bay. Sepura’s Intrinsically Safe hand portable radios were implemented to ensure worker safety, with mobile radios fitted in vehicles and fixed versions in in office locations.

As with any petrochemical site, the island consists of a lot of metal structures, which was one of the key challenges

Sepura implemented a TETRA based solution for the site, covering the entire

pump trip function so that those on the in control of loading the large ships could trigger a pump trip using their radio in case of emergency.

Article supplied by Sepura

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26 Intrinsic safety

Institute of Measurement and Control – Ex Special Interest Group The InstMC Ex-SIG won the Best User

engagement at a professional level.

Application award at the Hazardex 2020 Awards for Excellence, which took

The qualification is based on peer review in

place at the Hazardex Conference &

the same manner as IEng/CEng, with a similar

Exhibition in Harrogate, UK on February

application process, and is overseen by the

26. The Hazardex awards are designed to recognise excellence in the hazardous

Institute’s Professional Registration Committee.

he Institute of Measurement and

area sector and has become the

The Institute has a range of Special Interest

Control Explosive Atmospheres

benchmark for those supplying products,

Groups, which members of the Institute can join

Special Interest Group (Ex-SIG) aims

services and systems. More details can be

for free as a membership benefit, including:

to promote good practice and support

found at www.hazardex-event.co.uk.

T

continuing professional development in the Ex discipline through a range of activities and publications. The group is producing a series of briefing notes to help inform members on key topics. These are first released to members of the SIG before being made publicly available. An example of one such briefing note is included on the page opposite.

Data files

The Institute of Measurement and Control also offers a professional level qualification in Ex matters: ‘Registered Explosive Atmospheres Engineer’. This is available to InstMC members who are registered with the Engineering Council as IEng/CEng, and who can demonstrate appropriate ‘competence & commitment’ in the Ex discipline, together with ongoing

Buyers Guide

Control Panels

AUTOMATION CONTROL & TECHNOLOGY Your Total Solutions Provider Specialists in design and custom build of a wide range of Hazardous Area Equipment

Registered OEM for Technor Marechal Southampton SO40 9AH +44 (0) 2380 665544 enquiries@trant.co.uk trant.co.uk

Cable Glands

Heaters

• Explosive Atmospheres • Functional Safety • Flow • Cybersecurity • Digital Transformation • Measurement • Standards Further details may be found at the Institute’s website www.instmc.org

EEMUA Publication 186 - A Practitioner’s Handbook for potentially explosive atmospheres EEMUA 186 offers guidance for safe installation, inspection and maintenance work in potentially explosive atmospheres.

EEMUA 186 focuses on ignition caused by electrical and mechanical sources and interprets relevant parts of international and European standards, directives and regulations.

EEMUA 186 covers application design engineering and duties of the Responsible Person (IEC standards). It includes separate chapters on fuel filling stations, hazardous areas in water and waste water, and mechanical ignition sources.

Closely associated with the CompEx® training and competency assessment scheme, this easily navigable resource is available to purchase at: https://www.eemua.org/Products/Publications/Print/EEMUAPublication-186.aspx

Training

Communications

Intrinsic safety 27

InstMC Ex-SIG Briefing Note Intrinsically Safe Junction Boxes

(E.g. impact resistance).

Interconnections made within a rack or panel constructed in a location

Harvey T. Dearden – HTS Engineering

Part 14 16.5.3 ‘Terminal boxes with

with adequate quality control and test

Group

more than one intrinsically safe circuit’

facilities are an example of the degree

says:

of integrity required.’

The notion that a junction box

Except where an assessment of the

containing more than one intrinsically safe circuit must be certified may be

combination proves that the intrinsic safety of a combination of intrinsically

So, since an exception per Part 14 16.5.3 may be made when ‘assessment

gaining currency and may be being

safe circuits is not impaired, in order to

of the combination proves that the

actively taught on some courses.

maintain the requirements for intrinsic

intrinsic safety of a combination of

safety, terminal boxes shall comply with

intrinsically safe circuits is not impaired’

There is however no such requirement

the following minimum requirements:

a terminal box providing ‘adequate

within the IEC 60079 standard.

– In addition to the enclosure requirements of 16.5.1 the enclosure shall meet the requirements as given in IEC 60079-0 for non-metallic enclosures and non-metallic parts of enclosures, metallic enclosures and metallic parts of enclosures as appropriate.

segregation and mechanical stability in accordance with IEC 60079-11’ does not require consideration of series/ parallel/reverse connections and intrinsic safety would not be considered impaired by the combination.

The EEMUA publication 214 ‘A Toolbox Guide for potentially explosive atmospheres’, Edition 7, published in 2016 says (4.4.3.v) of ‘terminal boxes’: Where the terminal box contains more than one intrinsically safe circuit, the enclosure shall meet the requirements of IEC 60079-0. This effectively means that, under these circumstances, the enclosure should be certified.

It does not explicitly require certification but points to Ex ‘e’ as one means of meeting the requirements.

There is no mandatory requirement for certification of ‘simple apparatus‘ junction boxes that contain multiple intrinsically safe circuits that are of appropriate good practice design.

Such a requirement could, particularly if applied retrospectively, have profound implications for existing installations, with potentially very extensive disruption and expense with little or no benefit and the introduction of risk arising from disturbance to established installations.

Part 25 Annex B (Assessment of circuits with more than one source of power) says: ‘Where there is more than one source of power and the interconnections are

Note also that Part 17 (Inspection) explicitly says in the introduction: Inspections are carried out in accordance with this standard, however for older installations the details

Part 11 6.1 says that where a non-portable enclosure meets the ingress protection and separation requirements that ‘The enclosure

made under controlled conditions so as to provide adequate segregation and mechanical stability in accordance with IEC 60079-11, then the interconnections are considered to fail to open and short circuit but not so as to reverse the connections or to change

for the equipment and installations requirements should be referenced to the standards applied at the date of the installation.

does not need to be subjected to the tests for enclosures in IEC 60079-0’.

a series into a parallel connection or a parallel connection into a series one.

should not be failed just because it is not certified.

Part 0 (General Requirements) does not specify particular requirements in relation to enclosures with more than one intrinsically safe circuit.

‘Effectively means’ is a judgement of the author(s).

Part 25 (Intrinsically safe electrical systems) and Part 11 (Equipment protection by intrinsic safety “i”) do not stipulate any explicit requirement for certification of intrinsically safe junction boxes containing more than one circuit.

This section of the standard says in a note ‘The use of an increased safety enclosure with suitably rated increased safety terminals will satisfy the requirements of 16.5.2 (single i.s. circuit) and 16.5.3.(multiple i.s. circuits as above).

This document is distributed by the Ex-SIG as an information service to the SIG membership. No guarantee is made by the institute or the author(s) concerning the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information

So regardless of any other consideration, a legacy i.s. junction box

provided. This document should not be construed as providing advice. Readers should satisfy themselves of the applicability of the information provided. Readers make use of the information provided at their own risk.

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| PI11-01E |

Automation and process technology in a single system: with PC-based Control

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